TABLES  dining, oak reproductions
A really heavy oak reproduction refectory table with primitive lion-mask carving, on six enormous carved bulbous legs. The sheer quantity of oak involved would make such a table enormously expensive to produce
today, let alone the question of the carved decoration. 1890-1920
A simpler oak ‘draw-leaf’ table on four bulbous carved legs. The stretchers have been jacked up off the ground by the addition of four square `feet’ at a later stage. The top has been panelled across the length which is considered a less attractive proposition by the trade. C. 1900
A rather unattractive oak ,refectory’ table which looks as though it has been ‘made-up’ from old pieces but the legs have turning which is plain and rather modern. No attempt has been made to ‘age’ the stretchers by
wearing down the edges.
Two oak draw tables from Maurice Adams, 1926. Straightforward, quite well-designed reproductions made to satisfy a contemporary taste for `Jacobethan’ dining rooms. Of quite high quality construction.
A cheap oak dining table, of the ‘draw’ type, on a two-pillar base derived from `Jacobethan’ but carefully ‘modernised’ to provide those streamlined, curved surfaces beloved in the late 1920s and 1930s. Note how the traditional turned ‘bulb’ on the supports have been modified into ribbed shapes of no particular beauty. The surface was originally dark-varnished with a sticky cheap ‘French polish’ which has become badly scratched. c. 1930
TABLES  work and games
A walnut combined work and writing table on turned end-column supports with scrolled feet connected by a turned stretcher. Under the hinged top there is an adjustable reading and writing flat covered with tooled
leather, and stationery compartments on each side of this flap. The drawer pulls out to provide a fitted interior and the wooden work bag below can also be pulled out for access. The figured walnut top surface, drawer and bag are inlaid with stringing lines and marquetry. The whole piece is very similar to one illustrated in the design book of C. & R. Light in 1881 but such pieces were popular throughout the mid-Victorian period. 1860-1885
A papier mach& work table inlaid with ivory and mother of pearl in floral patterns and scrolls. The design is not unlike those of the 1830-1840 period with a baluster central column and a flat base with four scrolled feet.
A walnut work and games table with inlaid chequer-board and backgammon board, on a twin-column end support stand with connecting turned stretcher. A type illustrated in manufacturers’ catalogues up to 1885.
A walnut work table of a type which was introduced in the late 1850s as an urn shape, but which had settled to this funnel or trumpet variety by the 1870s. This example is inlaid with floral marquetry and stands on
rather cocked-knee cabrioles with scrolled feet. The top has been inset with leather: this almost certainly means that the original marquetry top has been damaged and, to save expense, a new leather top has been
fitted. Damage to the top surfaces is frequent with these tables; the veneer was very thin and was easily lifted by heat or spillage of liquids. 1860-1880

TABLES  dining, Victorian pedestal
As might be expected the range of pedestal tables was large and the following selection shows the range. Value is affected by decorative potential as well as quality of workmanship.
Superb quality in exotic woods, these saloon tables’ were very much in the grand manner. They were made by firms like Holland & Sons and advertised in Warings catalogue, 1862. When stamped or provenance can be established the value can be appropriately high. c. 1870
Again a bulbous stem, not visible, but this time in walnut with a most attractive walnut top with subtle marquetry inset round the sides and on top. c. 1860
Highly flamboyant in yew wood of the type associated with Muckross Abbey School in Ireland. The pedestal table which is not shown is bulbous and covered in bits and pieces of marquetry. c. 1860
The heavily carved scroll feet, which are set at this angle, but above all the bulbous turning of the mahogany pedestal tables, all suggest the date when this form was popular. Note that if a marquetry top in exotic woods is by a known maker and invoices, etc. are available, then the price can go up considerably. c. 1850s
Although this type of outward curving foot and the straight three-sided column were first used around the early 1830s, the typical Victorian marquetry top suggests a later date.
Smee shows almost this type of foot in 1850. Note the crudeness of the marquetry compared with 785, both now being reproduced with an unabashed newness of finish. c. 1840
More marquetry of good quality. Note the height of the knee on the cabrioles. This example in C. & R. Light’s Catalogue of 1881 shows this characteristic. The faceted pedestal is also found in some later furniture. c.1870
The four pedestal straight leg type table which was popular from the 1870s onwards. It first came in about 1850s when needless to say the entire structure was curved. Plenty of inlay in ivory with turned centre finial.
An altogether heavier and coarser design. The finial is gadrooned and the supports are similarly shaped. Along the lines of C. & R. Light. c.1880